Undercover robots lift lid on animal body language.

The article discusses the use of animation and robotics in research to better understand how animals use movement and posture to communicate. For decades researchers have recorded and replayed animal calls to investigate their meaning, or probed the impact of variations in the shape or color of a body ornament on prospective mates or rivals. Now, by controlling the actions of a robot or animated creature, researchers can take part in a visual "conversation" with an animal. INSET: BEHAVIOURAL SCHOOL.